E-shopping approach involving combinable and viewable color-matched images

ABSTRACT

An e-shopping method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure, for example, by color and/or type. An example implementation of this aspect of the present invention involves on-line viewing of a first selected article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure, or first and second articles that are color matched for virtual merging on another structure. In one aspect, a stored user profile is accessed to pull previously-selected articles from a virtual closet. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a method for merging user-selected articles. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a first article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a second structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the articles and the structure satisfy a color-based matching criterion. In one aspect, a stored user profile is accessed to pull previously-selected articles from a virtual closet.

RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS

This patent document is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/531,102 filed on Mar. 17, 2000, now abandoned, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/167,493 filed Nov. 24, 1999, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/159,476 filed Oct. 14, 1999, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to e-commerce and, more specifically, to use of linked web servers sites for on-line shopping.

BACKGROUND

The consumer in today's market is limited to a particular retailer's or department store's inventory, selection and styles. Traditionally, a consumer shops for items from different stores with the anticipation and hope that the items will coordinate. Alternatively, a consumer will wait for an opportunity to try on all the different items purchased and return those items that do not coordinate. Recent technological advances have attempted to enhance the shopping ability through the use of e-commerce, sometimes referred to as “online buying” or “online shopping.”

There are differences inherent between “online buying” and “online shopping” in that current e-commerce transactions are based on the individual buying goods or services online that they have either decided to buy prior to logging on to the internet or find as a result of bargain hunting on the internet. There is very little, if any, true shopping on the internet. Most women define shopping as an “experience” “fun” “exciting” and the like. True shopping is going to a mall or department store with the intention of buying yet to be determined goods or services. Few consumers are getting on the internet with the same mindset that they have before they physically go shopping.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a method for on-line viewing of articles that are matched to other articles, for example, by color and/or type. An example implementation of this aspect of the present invention involves on-line viewing of a first selected article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure, or first and second articles that are color matched for virtual merging on another structure. In one aspect, a stored user profile is accessed to pull previously-selected articles from a virtual closet.

Another particular application of the present invention involves an on-line viewer linked to the host-site and to a virtual closet maintained by the host-site. The host-site selects a structure in response to a command received by the on-line viewer, and using the host-site, the viewer is linked to the article-provider site and images are passed from that site for view by the on-line viewer. A selected one of the articles is merged with the structure by forming an image including representations of both the structure and the selected article.

An optional feature allows each user a certain amount of storage capacity, referred to as a “closet,” where the user can store different items from multiple stores as they move from store to store, each time bringing back different items to mix and match, coordinate and so on. This storage space allows the consumer to put items “on hold” for a limited period of time without purchasing them. Color codes are included with each article stored in the closet. This feature allows consumers to return at a later date and purchase these items with a full appreciation of their color coordination.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for implementing the present system in accordance with one example embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example manner for implementing one aspect of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is generally directed to a method and system involving e-commerce over interconnected communication networks such as those currently known as the Internet. The present invention is particularly suited for conveniently bringing virtual apparel into customers' respective homes and permitting customers to try on the apparel before accepting/purchasing the apparel. While the present invention is not necessarily so limited, a better understanding of the invention will be found by reading the detailed description and exemplary embodiments that follow.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a method and system for implementing the present system. The system includes a host application server 101 including several example functional blocks. These blocks include a block 102 that merges two images A and B (e.g. corresponding to a personalized or generic article identified by the on-line shopper, and a foundation or structure image to be merged with the identified article). Another block 103 permits merging of images selected from A, B, and/or articles previously stored in a “closet,” depicted as block 105. Another block 107 includes personalized images and an inventory of generic images corresponding to the foundation or structure. A revenue generator block 109 provides fee generation from on-line shoppers who subscribe to the host application server per on-line or off-line agreement, and/or fee generation from retailers (or sellers) and others such as magazine publishers desiring participation and benefit from the system of FIG. 1.

The on-line shopper uses a PC or intelligent black box 112 to access the host application server 101. Through this access, the on-line shopper either selects a generic structure from an inquiry of such structures provided by block 107 or provides a personalized image (for example, a scanned image of himself or of his house) to be used as the structure. Using the host application server 101, the on-line shopper is coupled through the web to a seller, depicted at block 114. Images of selectable articles are communicated back to the on-line shopper over the web and through the host application server 101. The on-line shopper selects one or more articles from at least one of the sellers for storage in the closet 105, and/or for merging with the previously-selected structure. Similarly, the structure can be changed per a command from the on-line shopper so as to merge the selected article(s) with different structures. In response, the host application server 101 processes images corresponding to the article and structure and generates a new image including representations of both the structure and the article.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an example process for implementing the example system of FIG. 1, according to the present invention. As discussed above, after accessing the host application server 201, optionally the host application server verifies registration/payment as is conventional with current on-line shopping as depicted at 201 a. At block 204 the structure or foundation is selected as discussed above, and at block 206 the link is made to the seller. At block 208 the article(s) is viewed by the on-line shopper and, optionally, a selection of a color and/or size for the article is made. Next, the on-line shopper selects the article as a candidate for storage in the closet and/or for merging with the structure.

At block 210 the on-line shopper instructs the host application server to store the article in the closet by returning to block 204, merge with the structure as depicted at block 212, or return to block 206 for linking to the same seller or another seller for additional viewing.

From block 212 flow proceeds to block 214 where the new image is created per the merger instruction.

Next, at block 216, the new image is sent for viewing to the on-line shopper.

At block 218 the on-line shopper chooses one of multiple options. Either the closet is accessed and the on-line shopper returns to block 204, or an election is made to purchase the article and/or other articles that may have been stored in the closet as depicted in block 220. From block 220, flow proceeds to block 222 where the on-line shopper decides to return to block 204 or end the transaction.

Example articles can be: A) clothing; B) paint; C) furniture; D) glassware; E) landscaping; F) orthodontic and teeth ware; G) cabinetry; H) plastic-surgery type enhancements; I) car/person.

Example foundation for merger with corresponding article(s) can be: a) person, pet; b) house, cars, etc.; c) house, cars, office, etc.; d) kitchen, face; e) yard; f) mouth; g) rooms in office/house; h) person (chest, face, belly, etc.); I) person/car.

In another example embodiment according to the present invention, an important advantage relating to color matching is achieved using a commonly-used color standard that covers sufficient color variations to permit various articles to be matched to one another. In one more specific embodiment, an industry color-standardization scheme is used. Examples include: Exxel Color Match Guide (see http://sharones.com/prod013234.htm) and Color match Chart (http://www.csprings.com/aero_lettering/c_match.htm). More sophisticated color standardization schemes include the above examples in combination with equipment specifically identifying a frequency range corresponding to the color of the article in question or the equipment approach by itself.

Example equipment of this type includes optics-based detectors adapted to provide a measured (color) frequency in a given light condition/environment. For example, white light may be used along with selected background materials characterized within certain selected ranges of reflectivity. Other definitional parameters needed and/or useful in connection therewith will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In a particular application, the color frequencies measured for the articles to be matched are reported and provided in the form of a tag that is carried with the article, electronically for the web server shopping function and, optionally, as a supplemental hard-copy coded label (e.g., as part of or as a supplementation to the coding used on a bar code label). In a more particular implementation involving this use as part of the bar code label, the conventional bar code scanners and bar code generators are modified and adapted to receive the color frequency of the article and to conveniently report the color frequency in conjunction with the electronic shopping function and/or the conventional/reality shopping applications.

In yet another more specific embodiment, the closet of selected articles (as described for example in connection with block 105 of FIG. 1) is electronically defined using a partial-data set corresponding to each of the closeted articles. In one application thereof, the partial-data set comprises an outline definition of each of the articles along with the color frequency codes linked to the various sections of each article, as necessary to fully define the article in terms of article shape and color. Further, the size of the article is also stored as part of the partial-data set. Collectively, these various pieces advantageously define all needed aspects of each article in the closet without having to consume excessive amounts of memory and without requiring excessive processing to recreate the article for view by the user.

The virtual closet discussed above in connection with FIG. 1 can be used to permit the shopper to buy or hold (without buying) an article and subsequently retrieving the article for matching to other articles in terms of structure, size, color and other stylistic aspects. In applications concerned with limited memory bandwidth, the host application can provide a maximum amount of storage space for each shopper, with additional storage space being provided for a fee. These data stored in such memory is limited to a fixed-period, e.g., one month, with extensions being provided for yet additional consideration, such as a monthly fee or purchases of items stored in the closet during an immediately preceding period. This approach advantageously encourages the shoppers to revisit the host application repeatedly to access their personalized virtual closet, and advantageously provides on-going advertising for (which is also optionally billed on a related, on-going basis to) the seller/retailers.

According to another aspect of the present invention, on-line shoppers (for example 112 of FIG. 1) are provided a number of selectable icons or other data permitting feedback from the host/server (for example 101 of FIG. 1). Examples include: expert fashion advice (e.g., professional consultants employed by the retailers (for example sellers 114 of FIG. 1), outside fashion consultants and/or employees of the entity providing the host application (101 of FIG. 1); on-line offers from the sellers (discounts, sales, etc.); updates on up-coming styles, colors, the most recent and hottest fashions. Each of these various offerings is optionally categorized for convenient selection by the shopper/user, for example, by category, style, activities, retailers. Advantageously, this application permits the host application to provide the sellers unique demographic information pertaining to particular customers' interests, selection trends and other data useful in attracting the shoppers to the retailers.

For convenience to the shoppers, a feedback icon can be used to provide a “favorite retailers” list to be defined by each shopper. When the shopper logs onto the host application, any of these favorite retailers can be immediately linked to for various uses. Examples include: reviewing closeted items and making changes thereto for a particular retailer, checking sales at that particular retailer and/or continuing to shop at a particular retailer without being required to return to the host application web site. Further, as a shopper links from retailer to retailer (the “Favorites”), a “shopping basket” can be selected and filled as the shopper accesses the articles

According to another important aspect of the present invention, the host application includes a search engine that searches selected, or all, participating sellers/retailers for particular merchandise, as identified by the on-line shopper. In one implementation, this service is provided to the shopper using a selectable icon or other feedback data as discussed above. At this point, the host application can: list all such retailers and allow the shopper to link to their web site; virtually pull the item from the respective web sites and allow the shopper to “try on” the article or store it in the closet (with a variation which optionally permits the shopper to change the size and color); and/or a combination of these approaches.

Implementation of the merging function can be accomplished using one or more of a variety of currently-available methods. Examples of such methods include those used in connection with web sites: www.virtualmakeover.com and vvww.segasoft.com/customer/index.html. Other example implementations are described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,769 entitled, “System and Method for Fashion Shopping.” Various types of software and hardware can be used to implement each aspect of the system and method described.

As noted above, the present invention is applicable to a number of techniques for merging various types of structures, or foundations, with one or more corresponding articles. The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. For example, the present invention could be characterized as covering one or more of the above characterized features. Accordingly, various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan upon review of the present specification. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for comparison between a plurality of different apparel items at an on-line viewer site, comprising: a computer-driven engine configured and arranged to cause to be displayed a first colored apparel item selected from the on-line viewer site with a second colored apparel item selected from the on-line viewer site, access a first electronic tag associated with the first colored apparel item, access a second electronic tag associated with the second colored apparel item, and retrieve a first color of the first colored apparel item from the first electronic tag and a second color of the second colored apparel item from the second electronic tag, including coordinating the first and second colors by using the same color standard and color coordinating criterion.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to display an image corresponding to a structure modified with the first colored apparel item and the second colored apparel item, and wherein the computer-driven engine is further configured and arranged to provide a plurality of sizes and colors to facilitate a selection of one or more sizes and colors, including the coordinated first and second colors, and corresponding to the selected apparel items.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to retrieve the first colored apparel item from a first store and the second colored apparel item from a second store, to compare the first and second colors to a list of acceptable color coordinations using the color coordinating criterion, and to automatically express whether the comparison indicates that the first and second colored apparel items are color-coordinated; and wherein the first and second colored apparel items are selected from different online-viewer sites.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to retrieve the first colored apparel item and the second colored apparel item from the same store.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first colored apparel item and the second colored apparel item is provided by a retail store, and wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to be operated independent from the retail store.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to retrieve the first colored apparel item from a first store and the second colored apparel item from a second store, and wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to be operated independent from each of the stores.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to compare a color code provided for the first colored apparel item in the first electronic tag with another color code provided for the second colored apparel item in the second electronic tag.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to use a color code common to each of the color codes provided for the first and second colored apparel items, and wherein the color code identifies colors according to frequency ranges of light.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to compare the color codes to a list of acceptable color coordinations using the color coordinating criterion, and to therefrom automatically express whether the comparison indicates that the first and second colored apparel items are color-coordinated.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the computer-driven engine is configured and arranged to compare the color codes to a list of acceptable color coordinations using the color coordinating criterion, and to automatically express whether the comparison indicates that the first and second colored apparel items are color-coordinated.
 11. The system of claim 7, further including bar codes for the first and second colored apparel items, the bar codes including respective tags carrying color frequencies.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the electronic tags are part of product codes that identify the respective first and second colored apparel items.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the first colored apparel item is selected from a virtual closet maintained for the selector of the first colored apparel item.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the color coordinating criterion includes a color-reference coding chart.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the color-reference coding chart is based on measured color frequencies.
 16. A system for comparison between a plurality of different apparel items at an on-line viewer site, comprising: a computer-driven engine including means for causing to be displayed a first colored apparel item selected from the on-line viewer site with a second colored apparel item selected from the on-line viewer site, means for accessing a first electronic tag associated with the first colored apparel item, means for accessing a second electronic tag associated with the second colored apparel item, means for retrieving a first color of the first colored apparel item from the first electronic tag, and means for retrieving a second color of the second colored apparel item from the second electronic tag to coordinate with the first color of the first colored apparel item by using the same color standard and color coordinating criterion.
 17. A method of facilitating a comparison between a plurality of different apparel items at an on-line viewer site, comprising: via a computer driven engine, causing to be displayed a first colored apparel item selected from the on-line viewer site with a second colored apparel item selected from the on-line viewer site, accessing a first electronic tag associated with the first colored apparel item, accessing a second electronic tag associated with the second colored apparel item, and retrieving a first color of the first colored apparel item from the first electronic tag and a second color of the second colored apparel item from the second electronic tag, including coordinating the first and second colors by using the same stored color standard and color coordinating criterion.
 18. The method of claim 17, further including processing image data to display an image corresponding to a structure modified with the first colored apparel item and the second colored apparel item, and comparing the first and second colors to a list of acceptable color coordinations and automatically expressing whether the comparison indicates that the first and second colored apparel items are sufficiently coordinated according to the color coordinating criterion, and further including providing a plurality of sizes and colors to facilitate a selection of one or more sizes and colors, including the coordinated first and second colors, and corresponding to the selected apparel items.
 19. The method of claim 17, further including processing image data to retrieve the first colored apparel item from a first store and the second colored apparel item from a second store, and comparing the colors to a list of acceptable color coordinations and automatically expressing whether the comparison indicates that the first and second colored apparel items are sufficiently coordinated according to the color coordinating criterion.
 20. The method of claim 17, further including comparing the first and second colors to a list of acceptable color coordinations and automatically expressing whether the comparison indicates that the first and second colored apparel items are sufficiently coordinated according to the color coordinating criterion, and further including selecting the first and second colored apparel items from different online-viewer sites. 